Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Barragan, Armando

Abstract

Systemic barriers and biases within institutions and policies affect how African American fathers engage with Children and Family Services (CFS). According to research, social worker bias, whether overt or covert, can influence case decision-making, affecting fathers' access to resources and overall involvement in their children’s lives. This study aims to quantitatively assess the impact of social worker bias on African American fathers' engagement by evaluating service completion rates at the .21e hearing. A quantitative research design will be utilized by implementing a validated survey to measure social worker bias and case file reviews to assess service completion. Statistical analyses, including a Pearson correlation test, will examine the relationship between social worker attitudes and African American father engagement. It is hypothesized that lower rates of service completion among African American fathers will be linked to higher levels of social worker bias. The expected findings could inform policy and practice changes, emphasizing the need for bias-reduction training and including fathers in case management. Addressing and resolving social worker bias may enhance African American fathers' engagement in CFS cases and improve child welfare outcomes in family reunification cases.

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